Q: As an astrologer, did you know that you would win the
Chamber of Commerce Accolades award?

A: This is a question that several people have asked since A Time for Success won the Accolades award, no doubt a fair question that deserves a fair answer, more than just a yes, or a no. Because of the unique nature of astrology, unless a person has studied the subject from serious text books, understandably, much mystery remains concerning what it can and cannot deliver in terms of information.

Some people have expectations that the future can be predicted with exactitude, like it was written some time before we were born and that we are destined to live out our lives in a preordained fashion. Many of these people will never consult astrology for fear of hearing "bad news". On the other side of this coin, some of these people will consult astrologers and psychics and card readers in the hope that they will be told of some good fortune to be placed on their path in the near future. They hope that this good turn of fate will solve their problems. These people are in effect avoiding reality and living a fantasy of sorts, waiting for their lives to get better, waiting for the "... and they lived happily ever after" Disney fantasy to unfold.

Fortunately, most of you know, that there there are very few accidents or surprises in life. And as much as we all would like good fortune to rain down upon us and make our problems instantly vanish, this is not the way life works. Right? We know that accomplishment is the result of hard work plus the willingness to take chances at the appropriate time. Actions lead to results; strategically timed actions may lead to greater results. Actions based on a strong sense of who you are and a knowledge of where you are in your personal cycles are likely to lead to even greater personal results. (As many of you know, these are the areas that are discussed in a consultation. Click here for information on consultation services.)

Those who have known me for a while, are aware of the hard work I have put into building my practice, especially in enhancing the public perception of astrology through lectures and writings. Many of you know me through networking activities, another area in which I have put much energy. Then there is the publication of my book by a US publisher. Simply put, the Accolades award came as a result of very hard work and a willingness to take a chance when an opportunity arose.

But the question remains: did I know I would win? Naturally curious, but at the same time a bit apprehensive, I peeked at my transits (planetary configurations) for the day of the Accolades. I was shocked to see how many significant transits there were in my chart. This intense planetary action indicated at the very least, a very important day, but at the same time a very strong likelihood of a win (make that very, very strong). (Note that I did not know the transits of my competitors.) As it turned out, this was, without a doubt, a big, and admittedly nerve-wracking day, with or without a win. Even if I had not won, the publicity and exposure would have been good for my business.

The important point to remember here is that a transit (aspect configuration) will indicate a potential. The outcome of the transit will be determined by how you are living your life. Are you applying your energies productively, creatively, developing your potential, living to the best of your knowledge and abilities? The fact of the matter is that as far as personal success is concerned, there are no mysteries. Success is a result of hard work.

In other words, just mapping out your next favourable transit will not, by itself guarantee your success. You have to put in the work. For example, say you love roses. July is upon us, and this is a most opportune time to be enjoying the scent and beauty of these wonderful flowers. But, if you have not planted and nurtured a rose bush in your garden, there will be no beautiful rose to admire and enjoy.

The real secret is that you must identify and find your dream, then you must nurture and cultivate it for the time it needs to grow and develop properly. In time, it will blossom and your dream will become your reality.